Vale

Joseph S Mattinson (25 February 1988)

On 25th February, aviculture lost one of its very well known members. Joe was a person who had a tremendous amount of time and deep love for animals. His collection of animals in Wollongong had not only one of the premier parrot collections in Australia but also a variety of others that included Brush Turkeys, Wallabies and Fallow Deer. All were protected by one of the most savage cattle dogs I have ever met - who travelled under the simple name of "Red".

Joe had his first bird - a King Parrot - at the age of seven. This gave him a passion for birds that was to last his life. He once told me that his initial aim in birds was to have some Bourkes, Turquoisines and Elegants. This initial aim saw Joe and his wife develop a collection of Australian and exotic parrots that extremely well known throughout Australia and overseas. It was one of the collections that always was on the list of places that must be visited if you were interested in aviculture. Over the years Joe has had too many visitors to count. The number varied from one or two up to buloads of aviculturists from local, interstate and overseas avicultural groups. All were extremely welcome.

Joe was instrumental in helping to establish the Golden-shouldered aprrot in aviculture. He began breeding them in the late 1950s when they were extremely rare in aviculture. By the early 1980s he had bred over 600 - a figure that would make anyone justifiably proud. He always placed great emphasis on trying to breed any birds that he had in his collection.

Joe was not a person to waste time just talking to people. He always had a lot to do. But just begin to talk birds with him and he would stay there for hours.

Of late Joe had become interested in deer farming and true to form he was developing the best deer farm in Australia. He would not be satisfied with anything less. Every spare moment was spent down at the farm. This dram was nearly a reality when Joe had his accident.

Knowing Joe as I do, I know he is going to be hopping mad. He just hadn't got the time to die - there is still too much to be done.

On behalf of this Society, I extend our sincere sympathy to his family and firends in their sad loss.